Black Lightning

:

Season 1
Season #: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 232 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 105 out of 232
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 232
  3. Negative: 91 out of 232
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  1. GarvielLoken
    Jan 17, 2018
    0
    Summary of the first episode:
    90% bashing white people for persecuting blacks, whites this, whitey that, quote from the episode "all black people are victims", we get a white racist cop brutality scene beating a black guy....
    What else happened in the pilot.... uhhhhh..... Oh, yeah.... at the end of the episode the main character has some sparks show on his eyes for a second. End    Summary of the first episode:
    90% bashing white people for persecuting blacks, whites this, whitey that, quote from the episode "all black people are victims", we get a white racist cop brutality scene beating a black guy....
    What else happened in the pilot.... uhhhhh.....
    Oh, yeah.... at the end of the episode the main character has some sparks show on his eyes for a second.

    End credits.
    Watching this was a waste of my time and a waste of internet bandwidth.    … Expand
  2. ozymandias79
    Jan 18, 2018
    3
    So all white cops are a**holes. Forget serve and protect if you're a white cop. You can make a "black" superhero show without jamming the perils of racism down peoples throats. Watch Luke Cage instead of this garbage. Oh yeah, it's okay to be white.
  3. D0v4hk1n
    Jan 17, 2018
    0
    Don't be fooled by the 80/100 "official" score. No official outlet would dare give this less than 50% for obvious reasons.
  4. D3athsW4k3
    Feb 15, 2018
    6
    I'm enjoying the plot so far however the soundtrack is really ruining the experience for me. There is no build or climax and it interjects almost randomly at points drawing your attention away from the story.
  5. HirakaiKo
    Jul 20, 2018
    3
    I can't get over the fact that his wife and daughters don't recognize him simply because he's wearing goggles. I mean....seriously. Other than that, I'm halfway through the season and every white person in the show is racist apart from one character. I'm not even kidding. It's pretty annoying and I'm not even white lol. But hey, it means critics have to give it a positive review, and asI can't get over the fact that his wife and daughters don't recognize him simply because he's wearing goggles. I mean....seriously. Other than that, I'm halfway through the season and every white person in the show is racist apart from one character. I'm not even kidding. It's pretty annoying and I'm not even white lol. But hey, it means critics have to give it a positive review, and as per usual, critics don't do what they're meant to do and actually critique, instead deciding to praise the pandering.

    On the upside, I really like the actors, especially the main. They've surprisingly done a better than usual job of fleshing out relationships in this series, as opposed to Luke Cage/Iron Fist etc., where they're kind of tacked on as an afterthought. The downside is that the storyline itself is not as strong as the others, and the relationships can't carry the show - add to that the annoying political undertones and it's just a disappointment.

    Perhaps they tried to do too much with this show, they try to tackle racial issues, same-sex relationships, systemic racism, while also having a good completely make-believe superhero show - and in attempting to tackle all of these things at once in one single show where they didn't all fit, they ended up failing on all fronts and achieving nothing. I feel they'd have been a lot better off just doing two things well, build on it and try to tackle another next season, something like that. But doing it all at once was overambitious and it comes across as obnoxious.    … Expand
  6. grrlclimber
    Feb 20, 2018
    9
    A creative and refreshing play on the TV hero market. I've been reading some insanely racist and unimaginative reviews of this amazing series. This is good TV and great contribution to the TV superhero franchise.
  7. GraXXoR
    Mar 2, 2018
    5
    The first episode was so hackneyed that it was painful to watch... "I am sorry I'm not a black person," is the opinion that the show seems to be trying to foist upon their viewers... oops, did I say black, I meant a person of colour.
    The characters are so unlikeable and flat that they could just as well have not been there...
    The 20 minutes I managed to get through were poorly acted and    The first episode was so hackneyed that it was painful to watch... "I am sorry I'm not a black person," is the opinion that the show seems to be trying to foist upon their viewers... oops, did I say black, I meant a person of colour.
    The characters are so unlikeable and flat that they could just as well have not been there...
    The 20 minutes I managed to get through were poorly acted and clearly just aimed at making us all pissed off at dem white boiz. Did I mention, my wife and children are of colour but they did not find this show amusing or entertaining and we decided to continue watching Luke Cage....

    Basically, we all agreed that this show merely played cheaply on those monochrome stereotypes without adding any depth to the interactions, whatsoever...

    Hence the Meh rating.... Marvel still seems to have it where it's needed...

    Good luck, DC, let us know when you have a production that doesn't suck.    … Expand
  8. gstkein
    Mar 15, 2018
    5
    While it is fun to watch and has decent sfx, the characters and reactions are a bit of a cliche, it emphasizes too much in the fact that the hero is black, and the police reactions towards black people is just too forced, I mean one or two out of line officers is understandable, but it just happens every time, it feels forced, I apreciate what they try to do, but it feels poorly written.While it is fun to watch and has decent sfx, the characters and reactions are a bit of a cliche, it emphasizes too much in the fact that the hero is black, and the police reactions towards black people is just too forced, I mean one or two out of line officers is understandable, but it just happens every time, it feels forced, I apreciate what they try to do, but it feels poorly written. Luke cage showed discrimination and a black hero fighting for the people, but it didn't force that, it didn't keep talking with words about that, it just showed that. Black lighting is fun but poorly written.… Expand
  9. Ripandread
    Feb 16, 2018
    4
    This show has potential but the main character needs some work. Mild-manner principal by day and angry avenger by night. That scenario has been played to death. The criminals are so stereo-typical from those awful 1970's black exploitation movies. I tried to like this show...I really did; but unfortunately I just cannot watch it anymore.
  10. bigdeoz
    Jan 25, 2018
    5
    ---ENG
    Just saw first episode; honestly I would've expected more. I mean, I get it, the "racial factor" and everything but I would've liked best a darker shade, like a "black batman".
    On the acting side I would say that, except for the superhero acting, it could easily pass as a general drama experience. Average, so far. PS I haven't checked Luke Cage yet. PPS Sorry, I forgot. I liked    ---ENG
    Just saw first episode; honestly I would've expected more. I mean, I get it, the "racial factor" and everything but I would've liked best a darker shade, like a "black batman".
    On the acting side I would say that, except for the superhero acting, it could easily pass as a general drama experience. Average, so far.
    PS I haven't checked Luke Cage yet.
    PPS Sorry, I forgot. I liked Tobias.
    ---ITA
    Ho appena finito di vedere il primo episodio; onestamente mi sarei aspettato di meglio. Capisco, c'è il "fattore razziale" e compagnia bella ma mi sarei aspettato un tono più dark, tipo un "Batman nero".
    Sotto l'aspetto dell'interpretazione direi che, a parte nelle sezioni supereroe, potrebbe tranquillamente passare per un normale telefilm moderno "da pomeriggio tardo". Mediocre, per il momento.
    PS No, non ho ancora visto Luke Cage
    PPS Perdono, me l'ero scordato. Tobias mi è piaciuto.    … Expand
  11. critic411
    Apr 12, 2018
    0
    One of the most blatantly racist shows on TV today; Enough people have already pointed out examples so I won't bother but this show is riddled with them. Why is this necessary? The show segregates blacks and whites ala 1960s. They should have ignored race completely and made this a good show regardless of color! They are taking a huge step backwards and should be ashamed.
  12. Smaxi
    Feb 17, 2018
    9
    Black Lightning is great and is everyone on the show. The only distraction is the excessive publicity given to a rival superhero who I think is no better.
  13. kronus72
    Mar 12, 2018
    8
    The storyline for this show is awesome. I love how it shows character development as well as reflects community issues relevant to today era. My only issue with the show is how stiff Balck Lightning is. Everyone else is moving around and fluid but once he puts on the suit, he becomes stiff like a board marching and pivoting like he's in the military. Hell, Terminator has more flexibilityThe storyline for this show is awesome. I love how it shows character development as well as reflects community issues relevant to today era. My only issue with the show is how stiff Balck Lightning is. Everyone else is moving around and fluid but once he puts on the suit, he becomes stiff like a board marching and pivoting like he's in the military. Hell, Terminator has more flexibility than this guy. He has potential, just let him loosen up and stop being so stiff. It takes away from the show leaving room for him to be killed off due to no one liking the main character. Look at what happened to Blade. The show died because no one could see anyone but Wesley Snipes as Blade. He was loose, fast, and flexible. This guy, well, I covered that.… Expand
  14. Landomax
    Jan 25, 2018
    9
    While I did find this promising, didn't think I should come back for a second episode till the youtube clips of the public happily greeting Black Lighting as he enters a door to kick some bad guy asses. And after watching the episode I have to say it's picking up pretty nicely.

    Don't let the sour taste of CW's other shows ruin it for you (minus Legends of Tomorrow which I can make the    While I did find this promising, didn't think I should come back for a second episode till the youtube clips of the public happily greeting Black Lighting as he enters a door to kick some bad guy asses. And after watching the episode I have to say it's picking up pretty nicely.

    Don't let the sour taste of CW's other shows ruin it for you (minus Legends of Tomorrow which I can make the same argument about and trust me is good). The realistic take is quite interesting and so far had done a fair job not screwing up on any sides. The actor of Cress Williams is doing a surreal job as depicting his character as the "Black Jesus" as the show described. The villains are again realistic mob bosses and gangs and if the comics are to go by, have the potential to be really memorable adversaries. The daughters' plotlines do need to pick up, though. As for the superhero itself, cool martial art moves but need to explore the lightning powers a bit more. And hope we get a few metahuman thugs or badass normal adversaries to challenge the hero.

    Overall and again, a good series that I feel can be much enjoyable if it doesn't follow CW's other shows' mistakes.    … Expand
  15. Thechinaman
    Mar 21, 2018
    9
    this show is about a familly superhero who is trying to bring justice to his town by taking down the criminals, i love it
  16. Skeletor71
    Jan 23, 2018
    2
    This could have been done a lot better. Like Luke Cage for example. But this was just too much of 'good' thing. Of course the critics are gonna love this, but we know better now than to listen to them.
  17. Behemoth1993
    Jan 18, 2018
    8
    So let me be the voice of reason in these series of reviews because it seems like a lot of reviewers have inequities and a typical ignorant mentality. This show just like dear white people, luke cage, and blackish are all meant to show the struggles of everyday African Americans from the upper echelons of society or the lowest. Reality is that these topics are so hard to talk about forSo let me be the voice of reason in these series of reviews because it seems like a lot of reviewers have inequities and a typical ignorant mentality. This show just like dear white people, luke cage, and blackish are all meant to show the struggles of everyday African Americans from the upper echelons of society or the lowest. Reality is that these topics are so hard to talk about for some people because they themselves help perpetuate the issues being talked about. Now off of the politics and shutting down the "build that wall" hat wearing Caucasians commenting on the show for being black.

    Reality is that this show is part political statement and part action superhero show. Both are well done and show some of the more extreme sides of dealing with adversity, crime, and I guess superhero situations. The shows pacing is a bit off and makes it feel a bit rushed in just the first episode. You really don't get a feel for your surroundings and the detail of the environment that surrounds you, but this doesn't necessarily deter from the show. It is filled with some bad ass action, great movies and likable and even malicious characters. The main villain is awesome and his physical appearance is a metaphor for the issues that African Americans have to deal with on a daily. I personally love this show because it shows a more ghetto and darker side of dealing with crime than even luke cage did and that for me shows the missing piece of the veritable puzzle.

    I lowered this rating from a 10 to an 8 because again the pacing feels a bit rushed, my wife disagrees but she can write her own review. I personally think this will be a fruitful step forward towards more African American superheroes, woman heroes, and even Hispanic heroes and diversity is what makes superheroes great. Different powers make impossible odds possible, what makes the Avengers amazing just like the justice league is that everyone's unique abilities work in tandem to overcome a uniquely difficult problem and one's weakness may be a another's strength. I tell you this to both reiterate that the ones voting this down are obviously riddled with inequity and ignorance and also that this show uses this for further plot development. If you think this is just one African American man with powers beating peoples asses than prepare for further ass whoopery because the diversity thing translates into further story development.

    Watch it, go in with an open mind, and stop being ignorant.    … Expand
  18. Mircutio
    May 4, 2018
    0
    From the opening scene to the last episode it was a SJW paradise. Not to mention all the negative black stereotypes you could imagine, this show really should be offensive to everyone. How about we make TV great again.
  19. Queen7
    May 20, 2018
    6
    Medium, just like other ""hero" tv shows from comics. Same thing happens in every episode, people with superpowers dress in letheat and fight with crime. Alos, Black Lightning's costume is a joke.
  20. OscarTheGrouch
    Jan 20, 2018
    7
    I liked it.

    For all the negative reviews regarding the racist white cops: it was actually a white and a black cop that pulled him over the first time on a flimsy basis. So not just a white person. The 2nd time at the club the cops actually had a good reason to stop him considering he had blood on his clothes and was leaving a crime scene. And most of the bad guys in the first episode    I liked it.

    For all the negative reviews regarding the racist white cops: it was actually a white and a black cop that pulled him over the first time on a flimsy basis. So not just a white person. The 2nd time at the club the cops actually had a good reason to stop him considering he had blood on his clothes and was leaving a crime scene. And most of the bad guys in the first episode are black....so how exactly does this series in any way say it's not "ok to be white"? I'm white, I felt ok. Meh.

    Ignoring the overreaction: Black Lightning gives a new dynamic to the CW superhero-verse by giving us a superhero in a family situation with him living with his daughters. I thought the casting is well done and the actors do their job very well. The fx looked more than ok, and the fight scenes were simmilar. It also gave a good explanation why we haven't seen the character before in the 'Arrowverse' for him having a reason to not have donned the costume for years.

    Though I felt they went a little overboard with him not wanting to be violent or do anything against it (somebody pulls a gun on his daughter, and after overpowering him he just says to the perp there are cameras around so don't be dumb? Really?) but apart from that and the costume, which I'm guessing will look even worse in the daylight, I thought it was a solid first episode. Not great, but solid.    … Expand
  21. Is4U2P
    Jan 18, 2018
    0
    This is an average show at best and starting off it will pit Barry Allen's Flash against Black Lightning because one is a cop and the other seems to only have bad experiences with the police.

    Sorry, but this needs to be more even and stop leading the ideal that all white cops are racist, it just does not live with the arrowverse and I would love to see this character in future crossovers.
  22. Authority
    Jan 17, 2018
    9
    This is the most weighty of the CW superhero shows. It's hard to say how it will progress after only a single episode, but so far the situations appear to be grounded in a hyped reality with the superhero element added on top. The superb acting adds greatly to this effect. So many of the performances feel real.

    There is a strong vigilante element to Black Lightning. Pain is dealt out.    This is the most weighty of the CW superhero shows. It's hard to say how it will progress after only a single episode, but so far the situations appear to be grounded in a hyped reality with the superhero element added on top. The superb acting adds greatly to this effect. So many of the performances feel real.

    There is a strong vigilante element to Black Lightning. Pain is dealt out. Collateral damage occurs both unintentionally and intentionally, and not necessarily only to those 100% in the wrong. "Do the ends justify the means?" look to be a central theme to complicate its story. This is a show with a refreshing edge that should earn its audience.

    P.S. I thought the lit up lighting bolts on the costume were too much and out of touch with the style of the show.    … Expand
  23. hellpitt
    Jan 22, 2018
    3
    sadly the series was advertise as a Super Hero series...and so far I saw him attacking police officers and destroying police vehicles... we see him as a Black person in a city or town that apparently only has Black people, everyone in his life is black...no diversity... we only see other ethnic groups like white people as the bad guy or the "Evil Police" or a Chinese Store ownersadly the series was advertise as a Super Hero series...and so far I saw him attacking police officers and destroying police vehicles... we see him as a Black person in a city or town that apparently only has Black people, everyone in his life is black...no diversity... we only see other ethnic groups like white people as the bad guy or the "Evil Police" or a Chinese Store owner oppressor... OMG guys... how bad was this? very very bad.… Expand
  24. cherold
    Feb 2, 2018
    8
    This series is about a reluctant superhero trying to balance family life and heroics. Black Lightning is torn between duty to himself and his family and duty to the greater good. It's an easy decision to make when it's not yours, but how many of us, even with super powers, would risk our lives daily?

    The angst is nicely balanced with the action. Meanwhile, one daughter has super powers    This series is about a reluctant superhero trying to balance family life and heroics. Black Lightning is torn between duty to himself and his family and duty to the greater good. It's an easy decision to make when it's not yours, but how many of us, even with super powers, would risk our lives daily?

    The angst is nicely balanced with the action. Meanwhile, one daughter has super powers of her own, and has none of her dad's angst (so far).

    The series is successful both as a family drama and as a superhero movie. So far it's one of my favorites of the superhero genre (although it's no Legion).

    You'll see a bunch of really harsh reviews here that mention that there's a white cop who pulls over the black protagonist early on for no good reason. Some people are outraged about the portrayal of this even though it's well documented that cops pull over black drivers more often than white people.

    This is a series mainly focused on a vicious black gang, with the black superhero also being thwarted by the nice but ineffectual black cop, so if someone is obsessing over the five-minute scene with the white cop then they have an agenda. And that agenda is to slap down any series that even hints that black people might not always be treated quite as nicely as white people in America. They *should* be outraged that the cops pull over black drivers more than white ones, but no, they're just upset that a show takes a couple of minutes to point the fact out.

    Unfortunately these troglodytes are dragging the user score way down. Assume that if no Trump voters or **** trolls were posting reviews that the score would be 8 or 9.    … Expand
  25. Slovenmind
    Feb 18, 2018
    10
    I reluctantly watched this as I don't like most of DC/Warner Bros tv series out there. Talking loath DC shows format. But the first 2-3 shows were pretty damn fine and I loved it, granted it could have been more realistic or had more of a connection like Netflix show (aside from Iron Fist). There is a certain format prime time shows needs in comparison to Netflix. shows Most ofI reluctantly watched this as I don't like most of DC/Warner Bros tv series out there. Talking loath DC shows format. But the first 2-3 shows were pretty damn fine and I loved it, granted it could have been more realistic or had more of a connection like Netflix show (aside from Iron Fist). There is a certain format prime time shows needs in comparison to Netflix. shows Most of (DC)which I get bored with and move on. Legends of Tomorrow is good for a few moments but nothing driving it like this show, which is the acting alone is strong and connectable with me. Sadly it's weak point is it Soap Opera setting, like Arrow they are well off, with too perfect careers/lifestyle, instead of being more middle class, they come off as high class private school $$. Which is okay as they don't overindulge in that fact like Arrow does. It so avoids cheesie cast/plot like Supergirl l(there are so many issue there they messed up) and totally get right Black characters drive and casting(Jimmie Olsen in SuperGirl was unforgivable, not that he was black, but they made him handsome and not geeky/weak). The Flash problem was;or is the need to add character for an ensemble team, instead of going on it alone and self discovery. That said I have enjoyed the show but fear the SOAP OPERA elements with emerge as his Daughters powers emerge and the show engulfs lesser plot lines. GRANTED the villains are top notch so far, although they kill them way to quickly at first, it sort of fits. The lesbian daughter was also well played but could have been more realistic is some areas. My biggest issue is there is no middle ground for the black characters, either you are well to do, or struggling criminals. Luke Cage was more connectable on that front maybe. All in all I don't mind it, the character actors and acting is way above average for this genre. The connection or moments between sister is so cute, the connection between them as parents and daughter show heart and warm. Yes they play up dramatic issues, but never to the point of boredom, they move on. I do wish they had some older relatives in the show... that old school shame. I would give this an 8 for the first few show, but instead give it a 10 to offset the zero scores, this show is maybe 6 at worst but maybe 7-8 score. Especially from reviewer who know nothing of what they speak of. For now I like the show but Doubt it will be so in future episodes if things get dragged on. Oh the white tailor guy who builds his suits could have been Asian or South Asian, so yeah big miss and negative on that one and the character was soooo not needed.… Expand
  26. runeborsjo
    Jan 29, 2018
    3
    I don't understand the near-universal acclaim in the press - I suspect that too is driven more by politics than content. To me, this is the weakest of the DC shows on The CW. Much like Supergirl, it's more concerned with identity politics and firsts than telling a compelling story. People need to stop comparing this to Luke Cage - which is actually a good show.
  27. yves_sj
    Jan 21, 2018
    8
    The first episode really got my attention during the whole time. Between the CW superhero series this one is by far the one that I liked the most
  28. MrNonono
    Feb 15, 2018
    4
    Another Marvel show with a generic storyline, replaceable characters, bad CGI and a silly suit. This time with a black, middle-aged hero that can shoot sparkles. This has nothing to do with being overly sensitive about racism or political issues. I wish this show was like Atlanta with superhero action. But it's just generally boring.
    I'm not a big fan of the whole Marvel television shows.    Another Marvel show with a generic storyline, replaceable characters, bad CGI and a silly suit. This time with a black, middle-aged hero that can shoot sparkles. This has nothing to do with being overly sensitive about racism or political issues. I wish this show was like Atlanta with superhero action. But it's just generally boring.
    I'm not a big fan of the whole Marvel television shows. I think they're overrated, uncreative and only reason for their existence is that they carry the same brand as the excellent Marvel movies. If you think likewise, skip this show. Go watch The Tick if you like something fresh.    … Expand
  29. TheGreatest190
    Feb 19, 2018
    10
    The people hating on this show are mad about the portrayal of white cops. While I do admit they could have done a better job on that department the rest of the show is good. It’s more grounded and grittier than other CW DC Universe shows. Also while lightning punches look weird at times, the overall action is pretty good. In all honest I would give this show probably like an 7.8-8/10 butThe people hating on this show are mad about the portrayal of white cops. While I do admit they could have done a better job on that department the rest of the show is good. It’s more grounded and grittier than other CW DC Universe shows. Also while lightning punches look weird at times, the overall action is pretty good. In all honest I would give this show probably like an 7.8-8/10 but because people are hating I’m giving it a 10/10. Also for the people in the reviewes who keep on saying this is another marvel show, please stop reviewing superhero shows for the rest of your life. This is a DC Universe character not Marvel.… Expand
  30. joaolmelo
    Jan 17, 2018
    10
    É um show extremamente bem escrito, bem atuado e bem dirigido. Após muitos desapontamentos com as recentes séries da DC produzidas pela CW, Black Lightning mostra que é um produto diferenciado e que todos deveriam assistir. Adorei.
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Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best TV Season of 2018
19
#19 Most Discussed TV Season of 2018
33
#33 Most Shared TV Season of 2018

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. The New Yorker
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    Mar 30, 2018
    70
    The violence does not rank as gratuitous because, as an action show, Black Lightning very much needs it. The hero’s own fight scenes can feel restrained, even cramped, perhaps because he devotes a lot of energy to anguishing about violence begetting further violence, and also to fretting that his return to duty will jeopardize a chance to reconcile with his ex-wife.
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  2. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Jan 29, 2018
    75
    The main storyline involves a nefarious crime lord, played by Marvin “Krondon” Jones III, whose gang, The 100, is terrifying the city, but it's Black Lightning’s journey into social issues--the character quotes Martin Luther King Jr. at one point in the premiere--that separates him from the rest of the superhero pack.
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  3. The Daily Beast
    Reviewed by: Ira Madison III
    Jan 17, 2018
    80
    The series juggles police brutality, systemic racism, black youth culture, gang violence, and black parenting with aplomb, and all topics feel entirely new to The CW but also necessary for the network, where it can be paired with an equally pulpy series like Riverdale.
    Read full review
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